As the new semester begins, students across campus are, as usual, looking to the quad with wide eyes and bated breath. All of these...

As the new semester begins, students across campus are, as usual, looking to the quad with wide eyes and bated breath. All of these preternaturally open eyes were on Dr. Anne Reber, current interim Director of Student Life and Director of Disability Services at Texas A&M as she reviewed the current state of hazing in the Corps of Cadets.

Dr. Reber has the power to alter regulations concerning hazing among student organizations. This has long been a controversial subject among both the khaki clad members of our campus and those who exercise their right of free dress.

Yesterday, Dr. Reber delivered a stunning proclamation. As of Spring 2015, the Corps of Cadets will be required to stop shaking hands, in order to cut back on hazing.

That’s right, the ubiquitous greeting of clasping hands will be included in the list of acts that:

“endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property; and/or assisting, directing, or in any way causing others to participate in degrading behavior and/or behavior that causes ridicule, humiliation, or embarrassment; and/or engaging in conduct which tends to bring the reputation of the organization, group, or University into disrepute for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization; or as part of any activity of a recognized student organization, student group, Corps of Cadets, Corps outfit, Corps unit, or Corps Special Activities. Previously relied upon “traditions,” (including Corps, fraternity/sorority, or any other group or organization activity, practice or tradition) intent of such acts, or coercion by current or former student leaders of such groups, or former students will not suffice as a justifiable reason for participation in such acts. It is not a defense that the person (or group) against whom the hazing was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the behavior in question,”

…according to the university’s definition of hazing.

This decision will affect all members of the corps. Freshmen will no longer be required to approach upperclassmen and shout all manner of biographical information to the intently listening quad, but neither will upperclassmen be allowed to shake hands with others.

“We do not want any members to feel ostracized or put down by anything. Shaking hands will be prohibited within corps units in order to create a community of acceptance and inclusion,” Dr. Reber said.

The corps staff supports the decision, saying that hazing has gone unattended on the quad for far too long.

“That such a form of hazing as pernicious as shaking hands has gone unchecked for so long is utterly unacceptable,” Dr. Reber said, shaking her head.

The new regulations will be forcefully enforced beginning Spring 2015.

“Anyone caught shaking hands will be reviewed by a jury of their peers. You can be sure that we will push for expulsion,” Dr. Reber said.

Senior business honors major David Trigg has come out in support of the new mandate.

“We need to protect our tradition of respect and discipline. This is just a new way to do that,” Trigg said.

Trigg acknowledged that the changes might be difficult for some to follow.

“This was a thing that had, regrettably, become so commonplace in our culture. I know that some cadets will have a hard time letting go of it,” Trigg said.

Trigg suggested students take precautions to avoid accidental hand shaking.

“As you can see, I’ve constructed a sling to keep my hand safely tied at my chest. This way there is no temptation on either side,” Trigg said with a beaming smile.

Though generally supported, this verdict has sparked outrage among some students.

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Revelicious

Definition: Make them boys go loco. Wow. I kind of hate myself for making that joke. Then again, it would have been too much of a missed opportunity to not make the reference at all. And as Revelicious exemplifies, that’s what we’re all about here at the Mugdown: obvious references and easy jokes. So delicious.

What a Great way to keep killing the corps and the traditions of Texas A&M. The Whip out does not harm anyone in any way what so ever, it is a way of meeting people and introducing yourself to one another. In the business world every time you meet someone new what do you have to do? Shake there hand! Forcing the Corps to stop shaking hands is not only taking away a tradition but its taking away a valuable skill that you will use in everyday life. The Corps are the keepers of the Spirit and the defenders of the traditions. so what happens when you take away the traditions we are supposed to defend? What are you going to try to get rid of next? Us?
From the outside looking in you cant understand it, from the inside looking out you cant explain it. That is the Aggie Spirit, which comes from our values and traditions, you cannot and will not take that away from this great University!

Whipping out, one of the best traditions at A&M.
For over 60 years that habit learned at Aggieland has helped me make many friends. I can’t think of a bad thing about it. It also provided a lowly “fish” a way to haze upper-classmen. A group would form up behind a Junior or Senior obviously late to class and “whip out” en masse, slowing him down. Delicious.